FORGIVE THEM FATHER

Got up this morning, collected the paper from the front lawn, dropped it on the table beside the Coco Pops and started flicking. Page 3 editorial, “Mambo ‘crucifixion’ shirt withdrawn from Big W”. What the … !?

Seems a shopper at a Big W store was so offended by the reappearance of a 24 year-old Mambo classic tee, FORGIVE THEM FATHER that he was moved to contact his local newspaper, the Fairfield Champion to vent his spleen. Absolutely his prerogative (while we might not always agree with our critics, we will fight to the death to defend their right to criticize). He was also up in arms that the stated artwork causes offense to animal rights groups?

A little bit of history: that image was created in response to a letter that was received from a Victorian shop owner who had been upset by an earlier piece of Mambo artwork and so contacted Mambo, not to discuss the image but to threaten a boycott of all Mambo product in his town if the t-shirt was not withdrawn – with an apology.

“Forgive Them Father” was the response from one of the great Mambo artists, Richard Allan.

While we are always happy to receive free press, favourable or otherwise, we would like to make it clear that the apology stated in the SMH was factual but edited. The Mambo position is this:

“It is never our intention to offend any religious groups. This is a 24 year-old piece of art. We apologise to the Fairfield resident who was quoted (in the original article) as being offended by this print and also to any mouse welfare group – as he notes – that may have also taken offence. We know the mouse has copped a hard enough time from The Simpsons’ Itchy and Scratchy over the years.

Mambo will continue to showcase all types of art, with our more irreverent stuff going through the surf channel and our own store”.

While we realise this image may be considered provocative – or “precocious” given its genesis, we consider it an entirely defensible piece of satirical art, that also takes the piss out of ourselves “for those not planning on inheriting the earth”. As many of the tweeters have pointed out, the almighty in charge has clearly got a great sense of humour.

Let those who have not sinned cast the next editorial.

But enough of us, if you’ve got an opinion, let’s hear it. Hit us on our twitter http://twitter.com/MAMBOAUSTRALIA or join up to our Facebook: facebook.com/mambo.australia

The FORGIVE THEM FATHER tee is still available at the MAMBO Manly store and select quality surf outlets…..